Thai anti-corruption drive hits Phuket hard

Demolition of makeshift bars, restaurants and vendor stands deprives many locals of their sole means of livelihood.

Phuket, one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, is also facing heavy-handed crackdown by the military on corruption.

For years Patong beach was lined with makeshift bars, restaurants and vendor stands. They provided the livelihood for these people. But a few months ago they were all told by police that they were set up on the beach illegally and only had a few weeks notice before all the structures were demolished.

This week they pleaded with the mayor for help from the military government in Bangkok, after failing to see promised job-training programmes.

Al Jazeera’s Scott Heidler reports from Phuket.

Source: Al Jazeera